Breaking down Cason's tough start

SAN DIEGO ---- Antoine Cason had his worst day since becoming a
starter in 2010. The 2008 first-round draft pick
gave up three touchdowns
---- all to receiver Plaxico Burress,
all within 4 yards ---- in the Chargers' 27-21 loss to the New York
Jets at MetLife Field.

That's trouble for any player, especially one off to a slow
start playing in front of a rookie Marcus Gilchrist gaining respect
with every passing week.

Cason vowed to fix his mistakes, showing an unflappable
confidence that has come to be his trademark. He believes in
himself and his ability to cover anyone. Whether that confidence is
shared by the coaching staff remains uncertain.

After struggling through weeks 2 and 3 and Sunday's debacle,
that confidence must be eroding. He gave up three touchdowns to
Burress including the go-ahead score when the whole world knew
where the pass was headed.

He's been abused quite often this season and has started getting
picked on. The nightmare started with the Sept. 18 game at the New
England Patriots. He was thrown at seven times during that game,
and allowed a reception each time. The Patriots had seven
receptions for 100 yards against Cason, including a jaw-dropping 42
yards after the catch.

Kansas City wasn't kind to Cason either. The Chiefs threw his
way eight times and connected on six for 79 yards and both of
quarterback Matt Cassel's touchdowns.

He fared slightly better against Miami and had a terrific pass
defensed that broke up a game-tying two-point conversion
attempt.

Generally speaking, Cason excels in coverage and breaking up
passes, but has had some trouble when asked to press receivers at
the line of scrimmage. That was a problem Sunday, when Burress
broke free time and again.

"If you let him off the line clean, you're in trouble," Chargers
coach Norv Turner said. "(Burress is) going to give you problems if
you don't jam him."

Whether such struggles affect Cason playing time is unknown.
Gilchrist impressed in a start for Jammer, who missed the Oct. 2
game against Miami with a hamstring strain. In that game, Gilchrist
was targeted seven times, and gave up five catches for 56 yards. He
did have an interception in that game and has proven to be the
physical corner the Chargers prefer.

Cason has lost a job once before, when defensive back Steve
Gregory took over as the primary nickel back. Cason didn't take it
well, and seemed to use it as motivation for a solid 2010. He only
had a 52 percent completion rate that season and had four
interceptions while giving up five touchdowns.

On Sunday, Cason vowed to right the ship. His practice and game
performance over the next few weeks will determine if he's given
playing time to do so.